MP schools syllabus to include Adi Shankaracharya

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that lessons based on the contributions and life of Adi Shankaracharya will be integrated into the educational curriculum for schools. Adi Shankaracharya was a noted philosopher and is acknowledged for consolidation of the Advaita Vedanta doctrine.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made this announcement at a programme in Bhopal that was held to mark the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya. However, he did not specify the particular academic session when these lessons will become part of the MP school syllabus. This function was attended by Kanchi Peeth Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati and several other seers including Govind Giri, Subodhanand Maharaj and Swami Parmanand Giri.

Adi Shankaracharya was a philosopher, saint and theologian who came out with the unique Vedanta doctrine and also established four seats of learning in the country according to Chouhan. He also stated that the life history of the philosopher and contributions will be taught across all state schools. He also announced the formation of a Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust which will encourage studying of the Vedanta philosophy.

Chouhan also talked of several functions being organized across Madhya Pradesh for disseminating knowledge about Adi Shankaracharya’s contributions and this would unite the society according to him. He also added that along with developmental work, the state government had a duty to protect and preserve culture and the environment. He also talked of the Narmada Seva Yatra in the state and talked of how this campaign was aimed at bringing about a revival of the “holy river”.